Advanced Vocabulary Words

Challenging vocabulary primarily tested on the GRE. These sophisticated words distinguish high scorers and are essential for graduate-level reading and Text Completion questions.

2321 words · Page 32 of 39

robe GRE

A long, loose-fitting garment, often worn for comfort or in ceremonial settings.

roil GRE

To make water or other liquid muddy or turbid by stirring up sediment. It can also mean to agitate o...

rookie GRE

A beginner or new recruit, especially in a sport or job.

roster GRE

A list of people employed or available for work, typically in an organization or team.

rotary SAT GRE

Moving or working in a circular motion around a fixed point.

roundabout GRE

A road junction where traffic moves around a central island; also means indirect or circuitous.

rove GRE

To wander aimlessly or without fixed direction.

rowdy GRE

Noisy, disorderly, and disruptive in behavior.

royalty GRE

A king, queen, or other members of a royal family; also refers to payments made to creators for use ...

rudder GRE

A flat piece at the back of a boat or aircraft used to steer direction.

rue SAT GRE

To feel regret or sorrow for something.

ruffle GRE

To disturb the smoothness of something; to upset or annoy someone.

ruminate SAT GRE

To think deeply or reflect on something; also refers to the process of chewing cud in certain animal...

rumpus GRE

A noisy disturbance or commotion.

sacrament GRE

A religious ceremony or rite regarded as a means of divine grace, such as baptism or communion.

sacrilegious SAT GRE

Involving the violation or profanation of sacred things; disrespectful toward religion.

safari GRE

An expedition, typically to observe wildlife in Africa, or a long journey involving travel.

safeguard SAT GRE

A measure taken to protect someone or something from harm or damage.

sag GRE

To droop, sink, or settle down in the middle due to weight or pressure.

salacious SAT GRE

Lewd or lustful, especially in a suggestive or offensive way.

salubrious GRE

Health-giving or favorable to health; wholesome.

salvation GRE

Deliverance from harm, destruction, or sin; rescue or redemption.

salvo SAT GRE

A simultaneous discharge of artillery; a sudden burst of criticism or emotion.

sanctum GRE

A private, sacred, or restricted place; a person's private retreat.

sapling GRE

A young tree, typically smaller than a mature tree but larger than a seedling.

sardonic SAT GRE

Derisive or scornfully mocking, often with a cynical or bitter tone.

sash GRE

A long strip of fabric worn around the waist or over the shoulder, often as part of a uniform or cer...

satanic GRE

Relating to or resembling Satan; wicked, evil, or devilish in nature.

satiate SAT GRE

To satisfy fully, especially to excess; to fill completely.

satiety GRE

The feeling of being full after eating; complete satisfaction of an appetite.

satirical GRE

Having the characteristics of satire; ridiculing or exposing flaws through irony or wit.

saturnine GRE

Slow, gloomy, and somewhat mysterious in manner; having a serious temperament.

saunter GRE

To walk in a slow, relaxed manner for pleasure.

savant GRE

A learned person, especially one with great knowledge in a specific field.

savor SAT GRE

To enjoy the taste or smell of food or drink thoroughly; to relish something pleasurable.

sawdust GRE

Fine particles of wood produced when wood is cut or sanded.

scab GRE

A crust that forms over a wound as it heals; a person who continues to work during a strike, breakin...

scads GRE

A large number or quantity; plenty.

scald GRE

To burn or injure with very hot liquid or steam; to heat liquid to just below boiling.

scalp GRE

The skin on the head, especially the part covered with hair; to remove the scalp, traditionally in w...

scamper GRE

To move quickly with short, light steps, like an animal; to run hurriedly.

scared GRE

Feeling afraid or frightened.

scavenge GRE

To search for and collect discarded items for reuse or survival.

schematic GRE

A simplified diagram or outline that represents the parts of a system or object.

schism GRE

A split or division between strongly opposed groups, often in religion or politics.

schizophrenia GRE

A mental disorder characterized by a breakdown in thought processes and emotional responsiveness, of...

scintillate SAT GRE

To emit sparks or shine brightly; to be brilliantly witty or lively in speech or writing.

scoff GRE

To mock or ridicule someone or something with contempt.

scorpion GRE

A predatory arachnid with a segmented tail ending in a venomous stinger and pincers on its front lim...

scripture GRE

Sacred writings of a religion, such as the Bible or Quran.

scrooge GRE

A miserly and unpleasant person, often used to describe someone who dislikes spending money or celeb...

scruffy GRE

Untidy or shabby in appearance.

scrumptious GRE

Delicious or highly pleasing to the taste.

scrunch GRE

To crush or crumple something, or to wrinkle one's face.

scuffle GRE

A rough or confused fight or struggle.

scurrilous SAT GRE

Containing insulting or defamatory language; vulgarly abusive.

scurry GRE

To move hurriedly with short, quick steps.

scurvy GRE

A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by bleeding gums and weakness.

scuttle SAT GRE

To deliberately sink a ship; or to move quickly with short steps.

scythe SAT GRE

A large cutting tool with a long, curved blade attached to a long handle, used for mowing grass or g...

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